The Tribune

Twelve Bahamians who spent 18 weeks in Liverpool, England, advancing their technical skills as part of Grand Bahama Shipyard’s continued investment in developing its workforce have returned home.

The welcome by their families marked the end of an intensive overseas training experience and the beginning of the next stage in the Shipyard apprentices’ four-year journey.

The 2026 class features three apprentices in each of four trades: Welding, steel fabrication, mechanical and pipe-fitting. More than half received multiple distinctions across various training modules, while Asia Armbrister was named Apprentice of the Year by The Engineering College in Liverpool.

“It was an unreal experience,” said Tyreq McPhee. “I felt like I experienced a lot over there. A different environment, different people, different culture. It was cool.”

The Liverpool partnership, established in 2023, builds on Grand Bahama Shipyard’s apprenticeship programme, which began in 2001. The four-year programme combines foundational technical education at Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), advanced training at The Engineering College in Liverpool, and supervised practical experience at Grand Bahama Shipyard.

The Shipyard funds the educational and travel elements of the programme, and pays apprentices throughout the four-year training initiative. Participants are expected to complete their training in December 2030, graduating after their final assessment by The Engineering College.

Garnet Welsh, one of the apprentices, said: “I applied because it's a great opportunity for young people to explore different trades and, being from the islands, there are not too many skilled tradesmen, so you've got to be one of one.”

He described the opportunity to bring his new knowledge back to The Bahamas as rewarding, particularly because it allows him to demonstrate what is possible to younger generations.

“I feel good being able to show the young community that it's possible for everybody. The training at BTVI was good and got us ready for our training in Liverpool, so to anyone that wants to try, just give it a shot,” Mr Walsh said.

The Liverpool training is an important stage in a programme designed to develop competence progressively over four years. Kevin Cairns, of The Engineering College, described the 18-week component as intensive, with apprentices moving from a review of foundational skills into qualification training.

The preparation provided by BTVI helped the group make that transition, he said, with students arriving equipped with the necessary basics, including safe use of hand tools.

Grand Bahama Shipyard said women continue to make their mark within the Shipyard’s skilled trades. Asia Armbrister and Raeque Russell are the first two women from the Shipyard’s apprenticeship programme to participate in the Liverpool training component, building on female participation in the wider programme in previous years.

Ms Russell, who is training in steel fabrication, said the experience has strengthened her sense of accomplishment and her determination to encourage other young women to consider careers traditionally dominated by men.

“It feels amazing, and it shows that women can work in a man's field, too,” she said. Ms Russell said her sister encouraged her to apply, giving her the confidence to take the first step. Now, she hopes her experience will help others find the courage to do the same.

“Being one of two females shows women that they can do it, too. Just have the courage to step up and try it,” Ms Russell said. 

For Ms Armbrister, being named Apprentice of the Year was a significant milestone. She said she was proud to be among the first two women to take part in the Liverpool training, and hopes her achievement will encourage other young women to pursue their ambitions.

“I want to show the young women out there that they can do it. If I can do it, anybody can do it,” she said.

Training in mechanical work, Ms Armbrister particularly valued the opportunity to develop her practical understanding of her trade. Her recognition as Apprentice of the Year was an additional source of pride.

Following their return, the apprentices began training at Grand Bahama Shipyard on September 28. They will continue to build their skills under the supervision of experienced tradespeople, applying what they have learned while progressing towards greater independence as their training advances.

More than 100 current Grand Bahama Shipyard team members began their careers through the apprenticeship programme, demonstrating its long-standing role in building Bahamian expertise and developing talent from within the company.

The apprentices will now continue development through the successful completion of their fourth-year trade testl and their future roles as qualified tradespeople within the Shipyard’s workforce.